In eighth grade, students are enrolled in Algebra I, the foundation for all higher level mathematics. In this course, students will operate in the real number system, using properties to solve one- and two- variable equations. They will work with rational numbers, linear functions and modeling, and statistical descriptions of data. Students will also solve and model exponential and quadratic functions, and operate with polynomials and radicals.
MONTHLY NOTE (2016-2017):
May - While the end is near, students have a few exciting units remaining! They will explore projectiles and quadratic functions on a coordinate plane after completing a mini geometry unit on angles, the Pythagorean Theorem and transformations. This month the Smarter Balanced Assessment is upon us, however the schedule has thankfully been tweaked to maximize learning and minimize testing time. Please ensure students get good rest and are properly fed prior to coming to school for the day! Thanks for your cooperation with this.
April - Students are in the middle of the polynomial unit, but must take a much needed break for vacation, Big 6 and SBAC....all fun and different experiences for the middle level child. The polynomial unit breaks nicely in half, the first part all multiplication and the latter factoring. Early May, we will return to this polynomial unit to factor and apply these methods to projectile motion and quadratics. Looking forward to seeing many of you again for a second round of conferences if necessary.
March - Following a summative assessment on exponential functions, students are about to dive deep into a study of polynomials and their attributes, including examining the area of rectangles (using algebraic expressions). They will learn the many methods of algebraic factoring in order to prepare them for their work with projectiles in April/May. These factoring methods include greatest monomial factors, difference of two squares, perfect square trinomials and pairs of binomial factors.
February - Midterms and Quarter 2 Grades are complete, and high school level recommendations are available on Powerschool (2/7/17). Now that a very difficult season of assessment is over, students can begin the learning process once again! This month, students will be learning about exponential functions and the equations for exponential growth and decay. We will use compound interest formulas to calculate exponential growth, as well as identify the features of an exponential function (tables, graphs and equations).
January - Happy New Year 2016! This month will be exciting for students as they learn how to solve linear and non-linear systems of equations using three methods: Graphing, Substitution and an Algorithm (Elimination). They will understand that systems can be consistent or inconsistent and use the graphing calculator to find points of intersection. They will experience some significant problem solving toward the end of the month and determine the best method to solve the system. The Algebra Mid-Term will be administered over two days, the first being multiple-choice and the second being short answer. It will be given on January 19th and 20th following the long weekend. Good luck!
December - Following a very long and difficult month working with linear equations in two-variables, students can now apply that knowledge to work with bi-variate data. Real world data (such as height and shoe size) will be used to generate linear regression and draw lines of best fit to determine correlation. This unit will include a significant graphing calculator component, measures of central tendency as well as piece-wise functions (honors only). A unit assessment on this modeling unit will occur just before the winter break.
November - Students are now in the heart of linear functions working with two-variable linear equations. They are determining slope from graphs, tables and context situations, and working with the three forms of a linear equation (standard, slope-intercept and point-slope). By Thanksgiving, students will have completed two of eight units of study - making good progress! I am looking forward to meeting many of you for conferences early December.
October - Congratulations on making it through the first month of school! We are off to a great start, and are now in the heart of Algebra I. Students have just completed their first unit on one-variable linear equations and have problem-solved using some very challenging, multi-step, speed, time and distance, profit, and consecutive integer equations. This month, students will apply these same techniques to inequalities and then venture into two-variable linear equations.
September - Welcome to the Blizzard Team! All of your teachers are anxious to get to know you! September will be filled with lots of excitement, energy and new faces. Together as a team, we will start off the year on the right foot! All Algebra students will be studying the basics of Algebra in Unit 1 by examining the relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations and inequalities.
EXTRA HELP HOURS - TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS until 3pm
Here is the student code for the algebra textbook and access to online resources (please register) at:
www.connectED.mcgraw-hill.com
N6MM-MS65-FL7O (that's a letter O, not a number 0)
Below please find the course of studies for Honors Algebra I and Algebra I students.
MONTHLY NOTE (2016-2017):
May - While the end is near, students have a few exciting units remaining! They will explore projectiles and quadratic functions on a coordinate plane after completing a mini geometry unit on angles, the Pythagorean Theorem and transformations. This month the Smarter Balanced Assessment is upon us, however the schedule has thankfully been tweaked to maximize learning and minimize testing time. Please ensure students get good rest and are properly fed prior to coming to school for the day! Thanks for your cooperation with this.
April - Students are in the middle of the polynomial unit, but must take a much needed break for vacation, Big 6 and SBAC....all fun and different experiences for the middle level child. The polynomial unit breaks nicely in half, the first part all multiplication and the latter factoring. Early May, we will return to this polynomial unit to factor and apply these methods to projectile motion and quadratics. Looking forward to seeing many of you again for a second round of conferences if necessary.
March - Following a summative assessment on exponential functions, students are about to dive deep into a study of polynomials and their attributes, including examining the area of rectangles (using algebraic expressions). They will learn the many methods of algebraic factoring in order to prepare them for their work with projectiles in April/May. These factoring methods include greatest monomial factors, difference of two squares, perfect square trinomials and pairs of binomial factors.
February - Midterms and Quarter 2 Grades are complete, and high school level recommendations are available on Powerschool (2/7/17). Now that a very difficult season of assessment is over, students can begin the learning process once again! This month, students will be learning about exponential functions and the equations for exponential growth and decay. We will use compound interest formulas to calculate exponential growth, as well as identify the features of an exponential function (tables, graphs and equations).
January - Happy New Year 2016! This month will be exciting for students as they learn how to solve linear and non-linear systems of equations using three methods: Graphing, Substitution and an Algorithm (Elimination). They will understand that systems can be consistent or inconsistent and use the graphing calculator to find points of intersection. They will experience some significant problem solving toward the end of the month and determine the best method to solve the system. The Algebra Mid-Term will be administered over two days, the first being multiple-choice and the second being short answer. It will be given on January 19th and 20th following the long weekend. Good luck!
December - Following a very long and difficult month working with linear equations in two-variables, students can now apply that knowledge to work with bi-variate data. Real world data (such as height and shoe size) will be used to generate linear regression and draw lines of best fit to determine correlation. This unit will include a significant graphing calculator component, measures of central tendency as well as piece-wise functions (honors only). A unit assessment on this modeling unit will occur just before the winter break.
November - Students are now in the heart of linear functions working with two-variable linear equations. They are determining slope from graphs, tables and context situations, and working with the three forms of a linear equation (standard, slope-intercept and point-slope). By Thanksgiving, students will have completed two of eight units of study - making good progress! I am looking forward to meeting many of you for conferences early December.
October - Congratulations on making it through the first month of school! We are off to a great start, and are now in the heart of Algebra I. Students have just completed their first unit on one-variable linear equations and have problem-solved using some very challenging, multi-step, speed, time and distance, profit, and consecutive integer equations. This month, students will apply these same techniques to inequalities and then venture into two-variable linear equations.
September - Welcome to the Blizzard Team! All of your teachers are anxious to get to know you! September will be filled with lots of excitement, energy and new faces. Together as a team, we will start off the year on the right foot! All Algebra students will be studying the basics of Algebra in Unit 1 by examining the relationships between quantities and reasoning with equations and inequalities.
EXTRA HELP HOURS - TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS until 3pm
Here is the student code for the algebra textbook and access to online resources (please register) at:
www.connectED.mcgraw-hill.com
N6MM-MS65-FL7O (that's a letter O, not a number 0)
Below please find the course of studies for Honors Algebra I and Algebra I students.
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